Such Loyalty, Such Devotion: Jersey Boys Fans Around the World Celebrate Tenth Anniversary on Broadway! #JerseyBoys10
November 28th, 2015It could happen. It did happen. You ask the hundreds of fans from around the world (okay, lots were from the “Old Neighborhood” in Jersey, too!) how it happened and for once, you’ll get the same reaction: It was an Oh, What a Night that ended much too soon!
But I’m getting ahead of myself: Fans have been chatting about the JERSEY BOYS Broadway 10-year anniversary for many months…all over Facebook, via email, and let’s not forget the phone calls! Let’s face it–JERSEY BOYS fans would be there on November 6th–to celebrate their favorite show’s big milestone on Broadway!
Pre-show gatherings took place all over Midtown Manhattan, including the swanky tavern at the Novotel, located across the street from the August Wilson Theatre! Was this like being in a f**kin’ time machine, or what? A reunion with friends (with some cocktails & some special JB 10th M&Ms) who haven’t been together for quite some time–some from a few months ago, some hadn’t caught up with each other since the JB 5th anniversary, some from closing nights in Toronto or in Chicago–but within minutes-everything dropped away–and we were all catching up and counting down to showtime!
Then, over at the August Wilson Theatre, more reunions with so many fans–and two special guests of honor: Joe Long, awesome bass player & bass singer of The Four Seasons from 1965-1975–a real Jersey Boy in the audience! And, yes–an original Jersey Girl was in the audience: the one and only Jennifer Naimo!
Amazing buzz in the audience in our perfect seats (thanks, Audrey!–Row F, Aisle!)! Was the buzz from the die-hard fans celebrating the greatest show on Earth? Was it from the audience members who purchased special tickets to support the Greater Newark Holiday Fund? Maybe there were lots of first-timers in the audience?
Well, to begin with–there was a wonderful introduction by director extraordinaire, Des McAnuff, who announced that TEN years ago that evening, JERSEY BOYS opened on Broadway!
All JERSEY BOYS audiences have a great time with the music, the story, and the talent up on that stage–but this night was another story! You couldn’t keep this audience in their seats–with multiple standing ovations (Sherry, BGDC, Walk Like A Man, CTMEOY, and yes, I’m missing a few), the nonstop applause and cheers, and the genuine love from this audience during this special evening!
I don’t want to leave anyone out–but kudos to every single actor who made November 6, 2015 one of the most memorable JERSEY BOYS experiences EVER! And–a special shout-out to Peter Gregus, Mark Lotito, and Sara Schmidt–who have been with the show from Day One!
It’s not over yet! Following more standing ovations, there was a confetti-infused encore–with some cast members looking a bit surprised! And the post-show stage door?! Talk about the crowd going wild!
And, how about those little bars of soap commemorating JERSEY BOYS’ TEN YEARS on Broadway?!?!
Could the JERSEY BOYS Sunday celebration top this evening?!? Stay tuned for the rest of the story…
Great to see all those smiling faces!
Comment by Gary — November 30, 2015 @ 12:01 pm
Well covered, JBB! Doing some of the tickets was the easy part; people flying in from all around the country was the big factor which made the night special, not to mention one of the BIGGEST gifts … having JOE LONG in attendance, both with friends/ fans before the show and ‘in the house’ for the performance. (Speaking of ten years … coincidental that it is how long Joe was with the group.)
Ditto your shout-out. Thank goodness we still have OBC members Sara, Mark and Peter!! Long live this show.
Looking forward to your coverage of Sunday’s flashback in time!
Comment by Audrey Rockman — November 30, 2015 @ 1:56 pm
Thanks to Susie and the Jersey Boys Blog for preserving this great event in words and pictures. Being there with Joe Long, Jennifer Naimo and all the fans made it one of the best nights of my life.
Comment by Charles Alexander — December 15, 2015 @ 3:48 pm
Indeed, what a great event it was. Not only meeting all the talent in one place from this past decade, but seeing all the fans once again in one place. Susie and Dale, you brought a lot of us together through the Blog. Happy you’ve been acknowledged for the great things you’ve done.
Comment by Howard — December 15, 2015 @ 10:32 pm
I so wish I could have been there in person, but the coverage from Susie and Dale makes me feel like I almost was! Hearing some of the stories from events over the weekend have been wonderful as well and just hope I can be there for the next milestone.
Comment by Courtney — December 18, 2015 @ 7:01 pm